Tuesday, January 19

Does our culture’s current view of masculinity match that of
a biblical view? Even further, does the view of a lot of churches and
Christians match the biblical view? Pastor Nate Pyle argues that they don’t,
that the idea of masculinity, or manhood, has become distorted both in our
culture and in our churches.

I’ve been following Nate Pyle’s blog for a while, and when I
saw that he had a book out, I couldn’t wait to read it. Pyle has a great
ability to voice his thoughts while still being respectful to those who he may
disagree with. His discourse is honest, passionate, and kind. I was pleased to
see that all of this transferred to Man
Enough.

Tuesday, January 5

In 1912
two brother, John and William Wade, are kidnapped in China. They are raised by
master criminal, Eunuch Chang in the House of 8 Orchids, a sort of Chinese
Mafia. John become one of the house’s most valuable members as an assassin and
swindler. Meanwhile William develops a talent for forgery. After falling in
love with a Chinese actress, William betrays Eunuch Chang and escapes from to
Central China, home of fierce warlords and bandits. In order to save his
brother, John must escape from Chang and find his brother before the House of 8
Orchids does.

James
Thayer crafts a fast moving and intense tale. He creates a vivid portrait of
mid 1930’s China and populates his novel with intense characters. I never felt
like story was getting predictable, as Thayer put just enough twisters and
turns in to keep me hooked.